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still accept Android system and security updates. The time frame during which Android accepts updates from major manufacturers and carriers is now reaching four years.

      Warning If you use an outdated device, enable two-factor authentication on every app you use. Be sure that the older apps you have on the phone can update regularly (or just uninstall them). Consider retiring the phone from phone duty and using it for your music files or just movies.

      GOLDEN OLDIES

      I do have friends (myself included) who have enjoyed older devices for many years. I use a Wi-Fi 2016 Huawei MediaPad M3 tablet that runs Android 7 daily. A friend, until recently, wouldn’t let go of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7, and another, a Samsung Galaxy 6 from 2015. Holding on this long isn’t a recommended practice, and the device may not be secure, but when you enjoy using a device, it’s often hard to change.

      I’m planning to repurpose an old Android phone as a dashcam — and I’m looking forward to seeing the fun videos it takes. All you need is a windshield mount, a car charger adapter, a long cable, and an app like AutoBoy Dash Cam. (The Google Play store lets you know whenever the app you select is incompatible with your handset.). Just be sure not to leave your phone in the car to bake in the sun.

      I already converted an old phone into a security camera. Being green (and creative) saves tech from the landfill.

      Choosing where to buy your phone

      Of course, you can buy new phones from authorized dealers and cell phone providers’ stores — just be sure to get all the details when you’re offered a bargain. Be sure to verify that the phone you’re buying will work with your carrier. (Note: Older Verizon and Sprint phones might not work on the current AT&T or T-Mobile network.)

      Here are a few off-the-wall ideas for places to find the smartphone you’ve chosen:

       Amazon: You can purchase unlocked, new, or refurbished brand-name phones of all kinds, often at nice discounts. Amazon also sells extended warranties.

       eBay: Did you know that phone manufacturers have stores on eBay for refurbished devices? Certified refurbished Samsung phones come with a 2-year warranty and have a 30-day return window! Check out eBay’s Brand Outlet stores at ebay.com/b/Brand-Outlet/bn_7115532402 to see whether other phone brands have also opened a store.Don’t forget individual sellers on eBay, either. Lots of small tech-oriented businesses refurbish and unlock phones. Just search for the phone manufacturer’s name and the word refurbished. People also sell their perfectly good used phones whenever they buy new ones. Remember that every purchase on eBay comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can add, as an option, a 2-year warranty at a reduced price. If you’re new to shopping on eBay (or just haven’t visited for a while), take the refresher course, of sorts, in my latest book, eBay For Dummies, 10th Edition.

       Samsung Certified Re-Newed: Ever wonder where all those trade-ins go? The phones are fully refurbished by the manufacturer and sold with a 1-year warranty. You get free 2-day shipping and free returns extended to 15 days after delivery. This site also takes trade-ins, which can lower the prices even more. Visit samsung.com/us/explore/certified-re-newed-phones for more information.

      Remember The best times to buy a new smartphone are when the manufacturers announce new models. They generally offer significant deals on the previous versions. The time frame from Black Friday (the notorious shopping day after Thanksgiving) through Christmas is also when retailers offer deep discounts.

      People tend to stay with the carriers they’re used to because they’re comfortable with them. But consider this question: Maybe change could be a good thing if you find a cheaper plan or a free phone? In any case, check out all the deals that carriers offer. Also, find out about the carrier’s policy on phone locking, as described in the nearby sidebar, “Locked or unlocked phones: What’s the difference?”

      Checking out the carrier’s coverage area

      Don’t forget to double-check the carrier’s coverage maps, by typing in your zip code, to be sure your home has a good connection. Here’s where you can find the maps for three major carriers:

       AT&T: www.att.com/5g/coverage-map

       T-Mobile: www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map

       Verizon: www.verizon.com/coverage-map

      Some people say that these maps seem to be less than accurate. For example, I know lots of dead zones in my neighborhood and, according to the maps, I should be just zooming along at high speed.

Snapshot shows testing the speed.

       FIGURE 2-3

      Finding senior discounts on carrier service

      Finding real deals on phones from carriers isn’t always easy. Senior discounts are even harder to find. T-Mobile is the only US carrier to have a nationwide truly unlimited plan for seniors (currently $70 a month for two lines). As of this writing, both AT&T and Verizon have unlimited plans only for those 55-and-over who live in Florida. You read that right — shall we all pack our bags and move to Florida?

      Warning Unfortunately, seniors are often a target for questionable marketing, even in the phone carrier business. Brands purchase the right to use the names of famous organizations to make it appear that they are recommended and approved by them. Beware of these practices. I found this disclaimer in the smallest print possible on the bottom of a phone carrier’s web page:

       “**** member benefits are provided by third parties, not by **** or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to **** for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of ****. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.”

      LOCKED OR UNLOCKED PHONES: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

      While shopping for a smartphone, you may see references to locked and unlocked phones. Previously, whenever you bought a phone from a mobile carrier like AT&T, the carrier would put a software lock on your phone so that you could not switch to a competing carrier, sell your phone, or just give it to a friend. An unlocked phone is a more valuable asset than one that’s locked.

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